The semen microbiome and the association with male fertility and recurrent pregnancy loss
File(s)
Author(s)
Farahani, Linda
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Couples who are unable to achieve a livebirth may be struggling with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). RPL impacts 1% of couples and is defined as the loss of three or more pregnancies. There is growing evidence that sperm with increased DNA damage are associated with poor embryo quality, lower implantation rates and higher miscarriage rates. Identifying the causes of high sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and therapeutic techniques to target them has been elusive. Increased oxidative stress has been associated with increased SDF, and seminal leucocytes are a recognised source of reactive oxygen species. I therefore hypothesised that the seminal microbiome and dysbiosis of its composition is associated with increased oxidative stress (increased ROS), leading to increased SDF, increasing the possibility of RPL.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-06-30
Date Awarded
2026-03-01
Copyright Statement
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC)
License URL
Advisor
Jayasena, Channa
Publisher Department
Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Medicine (Research) MD (Res)